Posts

Posted on

Walker Kessler trade grades for Lakers, Jazz after LA sends massive picks haul to Utah

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 31: Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball during the first half of the Emirates NBA Cup game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 31, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Jazz 118-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Los Angeles Lakers are fully committed to building around Luka Doncic with LeBron James departing in free agency. Doncic has been clamoring for the team to add a talented young center, and the Lakers delivered on Wednesday afternoon with an incredibly bold deal that mortgages four years of draft control for an effective if often injured big man.

The Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Kessler, who was a restricted free agent, has agreed to a four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers that includes a player option in the final season.

This is a stunning price to pay for a big man at first blush. The Lakers now have a defensive anchor to play alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves, while the Jazz recouped a tremendous amount of future draft capital to continue their rebuild. Let’s grade this deal for both sides.

Lakers grade for Walker Kessler trade

Kessler is one of the better rim protectors in the NBA when he’s healthy. He just hasn’t been healthy very often. Kessler only played five games last season as he recovered from a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He’s only met the NBA’s 65-game threshold for award eligibility one time in his four-year career, and that came as a rookie. Utah’s tanking shenanigans contributed to Kessler missing games, but he’ll need to stay on the court and play at an elite level for this deal to work out for the Lakers.

Kessler has two main strengths as a player: rebounding and blocking shots. He averages 4.5 blocks per 100 possessions for his career, an elite number. He also led the NBA in offensive rebound rate back in the 2024-25 season, when he posted a wild 16.6 percent o-board rate in 58 games. He’s a fantastic defensive rebounder as well, which plays into his reputation as one of the game’s top defensive bigs.

Kessler’s offense is a much bigger question outside of generating extra possessions on the glass. He’s a total non-shooter from three-point range with 17 made threes in 201 career games, however he did make six threes in five games last season before the injury. He’s a career 54 percent free throw shooter, making him one of the NBA’s worst from the foul line. He can finish dunks and putbacks inside, and that’s about it. He hasn’t added much value as a passer throughout his career, either.

This is the Lakers’ big swing to build a championship team around Luka. Los Angeles obviously needed a strong defensive center to pair with two weak defenders in Doncic and Reaves, and they paid a massive price to get one. Usually a trade like this returns a superstar. Instead, the Lakers acquired someone who fits the team well but doesn’t have the production you typically associate with this type of trade.

Big men are getting huge deals all around the NBA this summer, and Kessler’s is the most jarring yet. The four-year, $130 million contract feels fair for both sides. The amount of draft capital given up to get him is what’s so surprising.

The Lakers way overpaid in my view. It could work out for them because Kessler is really good at protecting the rim and cleaning the glass if he stays healthy, but it’s hard to see how this elevates LA into championship contention, and they don’t have many assets left to keep building the team.

Grade: D

Jazz grade for Walker Kessler trade

Talk about a sell-high trade. It’s amazing the Jazz were able to get this type of return for Kessler after he only played five games last season. He’s not an elite center in my view, but the Jazz certainly got elite value back for him.

Utah is set up so well for the future now. They have No. 2 overall draft pick Darryn Peterson as their new franchise star alongside Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey. I honestly don’t think losing Kessler makes Utah that much worse for next season given all their front court depth. They are now stocked with assets to continue to build out the team as Peterson reaches his prime.

This is an amazing move for the Jazz. They robbed the Lakers blind. If Peterson reaches his ceiling, Utah will be set up to be a Western Conference contender for years to come. Their ascent should start this season with what looks like a play-in team at least.

Grade: A+

Posted on

What I'm Hearing: Latest Rumblings as Oilers Prepare for Free Agency

As the Edmonton Oilers get set for free agency, let's take a look at everything I'm hearing as the team has several irons in the fire, but it could be a relatively slow day.

Darnell Nurse

Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now reports, "Given the uncertainty of the Darnell Nurse situation it is quite possible that today may be a very quiet day for the Edmonton Oilers on the Free Agent front. EDM will need another goalie…at some point, still need to sign RFA’s C. Dach/S. Stastney and have limited cap space."  

Several Western teams, including San Jose, have explored trading for him, but he prefers an Eastern destination. Pittsburgh attempted to involve Edmonton in a contract swap that was declined. Philadelphia may need to move a player like Rasmus Ristolainen first, Boston has shown interest, and Nurse has yet to expand his trade list.

Connor Ingram

According Mark Spector: "With the goaltending moves made in Florida, Daniil Tarasov heads to market. A few teams interested, Edmonton among them. Connor Ingram not out of the Oilers picture yet, however."

In respect to Tarasov, Spector adds, "Tarasov played 2/3rds of his career in Columbus, not a good team. The final 1/3rd was spent in Florida last season - when they weren't a very good team (25th in NHL)." 

He has an .897 career saves %, he's 6-5, he's 27 years old. 

Kasperi Kapanen

There is still talk about Kasperi Kapanen coming back to the Oilers. Spector writes, "Don’t rule out Kasperi Kapanen and the Oilers quite yet. Still ongoing conversations between the two sides."

Jack Roslovic and Adam Henrique Going to Market

The ship has sailed in Edmonton on both Jack Roslovic and Adam Henrique. Each will test the market and see if another team is open to signing either. 

** Update: Roslovic signed a two-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs

Corey Perry Going Back To LA?

Gene Principe said he reached out to Corey Perry, who is also a free agent. There was a public push of support to bring him back. He said he's waiting things out, but it appears he's going back to the Los Angeles Kings. 

Ilya Mikheyev

One player currently being linked to the Edmonton Oilers is Blackhawks forward Ilya Mikheyev, who previously played under head coach Mike Babcock during their time in Toronto.

The Oilers might not do much in free agency, but he's a player they like for his depth scoring, speed and abilty to kill penalties. 

* Update: Mikheyev signed a four-year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning. 

Oilers Trade for Devon Levi

The Edmonton Oilers have traded for goaltender Devon Levi. There was talk earlier this week that Edmonton had kicked tires on the netminder. The Sabres are getting Edmonton's third-round pick in 2028.

Mark Spector of Sportsnet writes, "This would be a precursor to another move. Had better be." Bob Stauffer adds, "Could see the Edmonton Oilers add another goalie on top of Levi. "

Oilers Trade for Sabres Goaltender Devon Levi, Another Move Coming?Oilers Trade for Sabres Goaltender Devon Levi, Another Move Coming?Edmonton bolsters its crease by acquiring the former collegiate standout for a future pick, banking on the Devon Levi's high-end athleticism to stabilize their inconsistent goaltending situation.

Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.

Posted on

Royals Reacts Survey: Who is to blame for this mess?

Mar 30, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro (33) talks with general manager J.j. Piccolo in the dugout prior to a game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Royals fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

The 2026 Royals are bad. This fact is inescapable. Some will argue that they’ve had some bad luck, but you don’t become as putrid as the 2026 Royals without both bad luck and bad execution. In fact, you don’t become this bad without bad luck and bad execution in all phases of roster construction, coaching, and play. But…which aspect is the most to blame for this result?

Is it the roster construction of the front office hampered by what seems clear in retrospect to be an ownership edict not to significantly increase the payroll? Is it the poor bullpen and lineup decisions made by manager Matt Quatraro? Is it the coaching that has led to one of the worst outfield defenses in baseball and numerous baserunning blunders? Or is it the players themselves simply underperforming all reasonable expectations? I have my own thoughts, but before I share them, won’t you please share yours?

Posted on

Phillies have two in the Future Game

CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 21: Gage Wood #41 of the Philadelphia Phillies walks to the dugout prior to the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Philadelphia Phillies at BayCare Ballpark on Saturday, March 21, 2026 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Nathan Ray Seebeck/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Futures Game is a chance for people to see how the prospects they read so much about perform on the field. The game is played during All-Star Week, inexplicably buried on a Sunday prior to the draft occurring. This year, the Phillies have two representatives this year in Gage Wood and Wei-Hui Pan.

Wood was almost a guarantee to make the team, but Pan is something of a surprise. With Aidan Miller injured, his participation was not expected, but it is nice to see the Phillies get two players in the game. Now, whether they actually pitch in the game? That’s another story.

Posted on

George Springer Placed On Paternity List

TORONTO, ON - JUNE 29: George Springer #4 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts during batting practice before a game against the New York Mets at Rogers Centre on June 29, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Now, just cause I think of George Springer as an old man, doesn’t mean, in real life, he’s young and can have a growing family. He has two children already, one also named George, the fourth George Springer.

Jonatan Clase is up with the team. Paternity Leave in the MLB is only for up to three days, so Clase won’t be here long.

To file under damning with faint praise:

Today’s Jays lineup. Vlad is back.

Posted on

The NHL’s version of the ‘Bobby Bonilla deal’ has finally expired

MONTREAL, CANADA - NOVEMBER 16: Montreal Canadiens' alumni Shea Weber salutes the spectators during a tribute ceremony honouring his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame ahead of the game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Bell Centre on November 16, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The former captain of the Montreal Canadiens Shea Weber was inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday November 11, 2024 in Toronto. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Hockey’s version of Bobby Bonilla has come to an end. Shea Weber’s hilarious, legendary contract signed by the Nashville Predators in 2012 expired on Wednesday, 14 years after it was originally signed. Weber has been retired from the NHL for five years, he’s been in the Hall of Fame for three years, and collecting a paycheck all this time.

The genesis of this deal goes back to free agency in 2012. Weber was the 26-year-old captain of the Predators, and one of the brightest young defensemen in the NHL, but he was negotiating with Nashville on a long-term extension as he was poised to enter restricted free agency.

Enter the Philadelphia Flyers, who were in a desperate situation. Legendary defenseman Chris Pronger was the team’s stop-gap solution, but he was on the decline and coming off two injury-shortened seasons, with concerns he was ready to retire (which he ultimately did). Free agency was lacking in talent on the defensive end, the Flyers were an established playoff team trying to keep their window open, and they decided to make an unprecedented move.

The Flyers signed Weber to a staggering 14-year, $110 million offer sheet that they felt was both too rich, and too long for the Predators to dare to match. It was worth it for Philadelphia though, because they felt adding Weber to their roster they would become a legitimate Stanley Cup team.

Nashville stunned the league by matching the offer. The Preds were a good team in their own right, but the assumption was that they would keep their cap flexibility in tact to retool their roster. Instead they were all-in on Shea Weber, which wasn’t neccesarily bad — but it did hamstring the team.

By 2016, the Predators were done with continuing to manage the 14-year contract. The team traded Weber to the Montreal Canadiens for P.K. Subban in a blockbuster deal that exchanged two of the league’s primary defensemen. Two years later Weber was declining in his early 30s, getting hurt, and in 2021 he retired from the NHL at age 35.

Not so fast! His contract was still guaranteed until 2026, so now it became a bizarre poker chip. A retired Weber was traded to the Arizona Coyotes in 2022, then to the Blackhawks in 2025 — all in an effort to make salaries work in other deals. He was never going to return and play for the teams, but just the fact he was owed money made him valuable.

That earned Weber $1M in 2023-24, , $200K in 2024-15, and another $1M in 2025-26. Now it’s all over. Pour one one for Shea Weber’s contract.

Posted on

Padres vs Cubs Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

The San Diego Padres hope to snap a four-game losing streak with an upset against the red-hot Chicago Cubs.

Chicago has taken the first two games of the series and has four straight wins heading into what’s expected to be a daytime slugfest at Wrigley Field.

San Diego has a favorable pitching matchup, which could cross up everyone’s expectations. My Padres vs. Cubs predictions and MLB picks have the Padres getting a win on Wednesday, July 1.

Who will win Padres vs Cubs today: Padres moneyline (+109)

The San Diego Padres have struggled, but their last three series have been against playoff contending teams.

They’ll start Walker Buehler, who had a 1.71 ERA and struck out a quarter of all batters he faced in June. He hasn’t allowed multiple runs in five straight.

Padres hitters have not been the problem lately. They’re 28% over league average, with a .272 average and .816 OPS over the last week and 18% over, .268, .790 for the last two weeks.

They’ll face Colin Rea, who had a 5.04 ERA and 1.520 WHIP in June. San Diego as an underdog are a no-brainer today.

Covers COVERS INTEL:Rea’s fastball is in the 9th percentile in MLB and his breaking stuff is in the 44th. He’s finding success with his offspeed pitches, but San Diego has two of the top  batters in MLB against the changeup—Gavin Sheets and Jackson Merrill. Plus, Ty France is hitting .433 against offspeed. 

Padres vs Cubs Over/Under pick: Under 11.5 (-119)

This might be the largest Over/Under cutoff I’ve seen this season. Yes, balls fly out of Wrigley during the day, and yes, the two teams combined for 16 runs yesterday. However, they also combined for five on Monday.

Buehler has been in All-Star form, and the two Chicago Cubs batters who’ve faced him the most both hit below .154 with .445 OPS against him. 

The Padres have been under in five of the last nine with most of those cutoffs being far below 11.5 runs. The Cubs have been hitting but yesterday was their first 12+ run total in the last six games.

Shawn Krest's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 24-30 -3.15 units
  • Over/Under bets: 31-27 +3.30 units

Padres vs Cubs weather

Padres vs Cubs odds

  • Moneyline: San Diego +111 | Chicago -115
  • Run line: San Diego +1.5 (-167) | Chicago -1.5 (+160)
  • Over/Under: Over 12 (-117) | Under 12 (-108)

Padres vs Cubs trend

The Chicago Cubs have hit the Team Total Under in 13 of their last 19 games at home (+6.60 Units / 30% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Padres vs. Cubs.

How to watch Padres vs Cubs and game info

LocationWrigley Field, Chicago, IL
DateWednesday, July 1, 2026
First pitch2:20 p.m. ET
TVCHSN, MASN
Padres starting pitcherWalker Buehler
(5-3, 3.81 ERA)
Cubs starting pitcherColin Rea
(5-5, 4.80 ERA)

Padres vs Cubs latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Posted on

Celtics sign Mitchell Robinson to a long-term deal

SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 13: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks looks on before the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 13, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE(Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Celtics have signed Mitchell Robinson to a 3-year, $47.4 million deal, ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported. Robinson was a crucial part of the New York Knicks’ championship team, particularly as one of the NBA’s premier rebounders. Robinson reportedly has a player option in the third season of his contract.

Last year, the 28-year-old averaged 5.7 points and 8.8 rebounds, shooting 72.3% from the field. In his 8 seasons with the Knicks, he averaged 7.5 points and 8.0 rebounds in just under 24 minutes a game.

Robinson was the Knicks’ longest-tenured player; he was drafted 36th overall in 2018 and has been a key rotation player since. He was one of just two Knicks rotation players on the title team that was drafted by the franchise.

In the playoffs, he averaged 4.8 points and 5.5 rebounds in 13.9 minutes, and secured a key offensive rebound in the closing seconds of the Knicks’ Game 5 championship-clinching win.

Through his career, Robinson has dealt with a slew of injuries, but he appeared in 60 games last season. He appeared in just 48 games in his previous two combined seasons.

What Mitchell Robinson’s signing means for Boston

Mitchell Robinson immediately bolsters the Celtics’ frontcourt and will be the team’s premier big, alongside Neemias Queta. More than anything, he brings rebounding to a Celtics squad that has heavily valued that skill set. The Celtics now have Robinson, Queta, and Luka Garza all at the center position.

Robinson’s rebounding numbers are ridiculous; he averaged 16.1 boards per 36 minutes per game. Last year, with him on the floor, the Knicks had a 37.9% offensive rebounding percentage, which was in the 99th percentile, per The Ringer’s Brian Barrett.

Robinson’s biggest weakness is free-throw shooting; he shot just 40.8% from the free-throw line last season, a career low. Robinson is routinely and intentionally fouled, and the Celtics will undoubtedly work with him on free-throw shooting to ensure he can stay on the floor. But, he’s one of the NBA’s top rebounding bigs and a true seven-footer, someone who immediately gives the Celtics depth at the big position and becomes the team’s best rebounder.

Posted on

David Rittich Testing Free Agency

New York Islanders goaltender David Rittich is testing free agency, according to Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News.

This comes as no surprise, as Rittich is a solid NHL backup, one who likely ends up landing a full-time NHL gig.

Islanders' general manager Mathieu Darche publicly declared the plan is for Semyon Varlamov to return to his role as Ilya Sorokin's backup.

As such, Rittich extending on Long Island would've resulted in him starting with the Hamilton Hammers, a non-starter for the NHL veteran.

Rittich, 33, posted a 14-10-3 record in 30 appearances with the Islanders this past season. Rittich added a 2.76 GAA and a .894 save percentage to boot.

Posted on

How a Disney World claw machine foretold Tarris Reed’s destiny as a Spur

San Antonio TX, - June 25, 2026: Tarris Reed Jr.Talks to the media during the San Antonio Spurs Rookie Press Conference on June 25, 2026 at Victory Capital Practice Center, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

This year’s rookie class is quickly endearing itself to Spurs fans, and perhaps none more so than 26th overall pick Tarris Reed. He clearly has the most personality of the bunch and has already produced several memorable moments. For example, as someone who is a weather nerd, I’ve always enjoyed when rookies (or anyone, really) arrives in San Antonio in the summer and is surprised by the heat. It happened with DeJuan Blair back in the day, and it happened again with Reed, who is already overwhelmed by it and appeared exasperated when told it would only get worse.

Sorry, Tarris, but it’s true: this is just the beginning. South Texas summers are notoriously long, hot and humid. The average high will go up another 4-5 degrees (Fahrenheit) across the next few months, and there won’t be any relief until October at the earliest. You may have experienced heat waves growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, but it didn’t have the humidity mixed in for high heat indexes, where 95 degrees can feel like 110. Down here, it’s just a way of life.

Another moment that went viral was on draft night was Reed happened to have a Spurs teddy bear with him, which he said he got when he was 8-years-old while on the phone with someone (presumably Brian Wright or Mitch Johnson).

It was a cute moment (plus the mix-up of hats was funny — I get that it was initially Denver that drafted him, but where did the Boston hat come from?), and he got a chance to elaborate on it his first informal media session following summer league practice yesterday.

He was at Disney World in Orlando with his family (although now he’s saying he was 12 or 13), and they visited some NBA-themed restaurant, where he played the claw machine game and just so happened to win a Spurs teddy bear. He loved it at the time since this was still during the Big Three+Kawhi era, and he happened to notice it in his room when he was preparing for pre-draft workouts a decade later. That made him think how cool playing for the Spurs would be (although he wasn’t counting on it), but his mom still brought the bear to his draft viewing party. Then, low and behold, the Spurs traded up for him. It was as if density had been telling him its plan all along.

Reed isn’t the only player who has had his Spurs moments already. Jayden Quaintance managed to inadvertently make the entire room laugh at his introductory press conference when he said Tim Duncan was his grandfather’s favorite player, making everyone feel old. He was also seen letting his nerdy side out by trying to get Reed hooked on anime. (From David Robinson, to Duncan, Victor Wembanyama and now Quaintance, the Spurs tradition of picking nerdy big men continues.)

With this being the first time the Spurs weren’t in the lottery since 2019, this class’s arrival and getting around San Antonio has been a bit more subdued compared to recent years. However, they have certainly been enjoying themselves, from meeting legends to seeing the practice facility, Frost Bank Center, River Walk and more. If you want a behind-the-scenes view of all their draft night experiences, arrival and tour of San Antonio, check out this video from the Spurs. It’s sure to warm the heart (and provide some entertainment while we wait through what is proving to be a pretty boring free agency period so far, presumably while everyone waits for LeBron James to make a move).

Posted on

Sabres Sign New Young Defenseman To Multi-Year Deal

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Buffalo Sabres have signed defenseman Olen Zellweger to a three-year contract with an average annual value around $3 million.

The Sabres just acquired Zellweger from the Anaheim Ducks last week in exchange for Anton Wahlberg and the 45th overall pick of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. Now, they have locked up the left-shot defenseman to a multi-year contract. 

Zellweger appeared in 76 games last season with the Ducks, where he scored seven goals and set new career highs with 15 assists and 22 points. This is after the 22-year-old blueliner had seven goals and 20 points in 82 games with the Ducks during the 2024-25 season. 

In 164 games over three NHL seasons, Zellweger has recorded 16 goals, 35 assists, and 51 points.

Posted on

Report: Bowen Byram Gets Massive Deal From Blackhawks

The Buffalo Sabres are entering the July 1 Free Agent Frenzy in need of replacing the scoring and leadership that departed when Alex Tuch went to Washington last week, but it is unknown what direction GM Jarmo Kekalainen will after 12 Noon on Wednesday. Kekalainen was proactive prior to last weekend’s NHL Draft when he dealt defenseman Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks, along with winger Jordan Greenway for the fourth overall pick (Daxon Rudolph), a 2026 second round pick (later flipped to Anaheim for Olen Zellweger) and defenseman Louis Crevier. 

Byram is in the second year of a two-year, $12.5 million bridge deal. Buffalo GM Jarmo Kekalainen indicated that he was interested in extending him coming off a career-high 42-point season. Still, there have been indicators that he is either looking for a new deal well out of the Sabres price range or that he wanted to go to another team where he could be the #1 defenseman. 

Other Sabres Stories

Sabres Emotionally Devastated By Game 7 Overtime Loss

Michael Kesselring sent to San Jose

On Wednesday, TSN’s Darren Dreger reported that the 25-year-old will sign a six-year, $75 million deal with the Hawks, becoming the top-paid defenseman in the NHL, ahead of Erik Karlsson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Drew Doughty. That distinction may be short-lived because Minnesota is expected to sign Quinn Hughes to a short-term deal and Cale Makar is eligible for an extension, but the point here is that the Sabres were in no position to pay Byram more than Dahlin on a new deal, even if the percentage of the salary cap was lower. 

Byram’s new deal comes on the heels of the extension of another former Sabres blueliner in Michael Kesselring. The 26-year-old was sent to the San Jose Sharks, along with the Sabres 27th overall pick for the 20th pick in the first round (Ilia Morozov). On the weekend, the Sharks locked up Kesselring on a three-year, $13.5 million extension ($4.5 million AAV). The deal is a sign of the times in terms of the salary cap going up, and the fact that the Sharks were desperate for defensive help, that they tripled the righty blueliner’s salary coming off a career-worst season in which he had just two assists in 34 games. 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram @MikeInBuffalo

THN.com/Free
THN.com/Free
Posted on

Nashville Predators Acquire Mavrick Bourque, Ilya Lyubushkin In Trade With Dallas Stars

Chris MacFarland continues to stay busy on the trade block, acquiring forward Mavrik Bourque and defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin for a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 third-round pick in a trade with the Dallas Stars on Wednesday. 

Bourque packed a punch on the Stars' third line last season, recording 41 points off 20 goals and 21 assists in 82 games. It was his most productive season in the NHL since his first season in 2023-24. 

The 5-foot-11, 187-pound righty was selected 30th overall by Dallas in the 2020 NHL Draft. He has reached the end of a 1-year, $950,000 contract and is a restricted free agent. 

He is the scoring boost that the Predators need from the third line and possibly the second line, giving Nashville a scoring edge lower in the lineup. 

Lyubushkin is a veteran defenseman at 32-years old and has logged nearly 500 NHL games over his career. In 53 games last season, Lyubushkin had nine points one goal and eight assists and 40 penalty minutes. 

The 6-foot-2, 206-pound defenseman has one more year left on a three-year, $9.75 million contract. He will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2026-27 season. 

While he may not have the production Nashville needs on the back end, he is a veteran player from whom younger prospects can benefit greatly. Lyubushkin could also have better chemistry in Nashville than in Dallas. 

Posted on

Today in Jays History: Jays Play 19 innings

TORONTO, CANADA - JULY 4: Fans of Ryan Goins #17 of the Toronto Blue Jays display a sign on the facing of the upper deck making a reference to his relief pitching appearance three days earlier during MLB game action against the Kansas City Royals on July 4, 2016 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Ten Years Ago Today

The Jays and Cleveland faced off in a marathon 19-inning game, marking the second-longest contest by duration and tying for the most innings the Jays have ever played.

Games like this are unforgettable; I wish we saw more of them.

I’m fairly certain Matt set a record with his recap—these epic games always generate a lot of writing.

We ended up losing 2-1, giving Cleveland their 14th consecutive win. Fortunately, the Jays snapped their streak the next day and won the last two games of the series.

Over the course of the game, the Jays used ten pitchers—well, eight pitchers and two utility infielders.

  • Marcus Stroman started the game and pitched 6.2 innings, allowing just one run. In the third, Carlos Santana led off with a double, and Jason Kipnis drove him in with a single. Stroman gave up five hits, one walk, and struck out six, throwing 96 pitches before exiting in the seventh with the bases loaded after a single, an error by Justin Smoak, and a walk.
  • Brett Cecil came in and got the final out of the inning. With hindsight, John Gibbons might have let him pitch the eighth—but who could have predicted the game would go 12 more innings?
  • Jason Grilli pitched a clean eighth inning.
  • Roberto Osuna gave up a leadoff single but managed to escape the inning unscathed.
  • Joe Biagini pitched the tenth, hitting a batter and surrendering a single. Again, if Gibby had known the game would last 19 innings, Osuna and Biagini likely would have pitched longer.
  • Jesse Chavez delivered three perfect innings. Later that season, he would pitch three innings in another extra-inning game against the Padres, earning the win in the 12th.
  • Drew Storen handled the 14th and started the 15th, leaving after a walk and a strikeout.
  • Bo Schultz (remember him?) induced a double play to end the 15th. He pitched two more innings, leaving the game after 48 pitches. That’s when things got interesting.
  • Ryan Goins pitched the 18th inning, surrendering two singles that put runners on the corners with no outs. He then got a force at the plate on a grounder to second. The Jays intentionally walked Tyler Naquin—a bold move with a utility infielder on the mound—but it paid off. Goins coaxed Chris Gimenez into an inning-ending double play.
  • Darwin Barney took over for the 19th, giving up a leadoff homer to Carlos Santana but then retiring three straight, ending the inning with a strikeout.

Unfortunately, we could only manage one run against nine Cleveland pitchers. Our lone score came in the sixth on a Justin Smoak home run. Trevor Bauer, Cleveland’s scheduled starter for the next day, threw the final five innings and earned the win.

In total, we collected just 11 hits over 19 innings. Darwin Barney, who started at second base, had three; Troy Tulowitzki also recorded three, and Kevin Pillar chipped in with two.

Ezequiel Carrera (0 for 7), Josh Donaldson (0 for 6), and Michael Saunders (0 for 7) all went hitless.

Not everything about the game was enjoyable.

Vic Carapazza, the home plate umpire, struggled as usual with calling balls and strikes. Edwin Encarnacion was ejected in the bottom of the first after a polite dispute over the strike zone. Vic, as you may recall… Well, Matt told it better:

Maybe that name seems familiar—Carapazza was behind the plate in Game 2 of the ALDS when the Blue Jays were not too happy with the strike zone. In any event, the 1st was a harbinger of things to come, as Carapazza was very liberal in giving Josh Tomlin the corners at the top of the strike zone. Over the first eight innings, eight Blue Jays were set down looking, only the first and last were clearly the correct call. Besides the one above, there was another bad one to Ezequiel where the pitcher totally missed his spot yet got a very borderline call. The frustration all came to a head with more fireworks in the 13th inning, but we’ll get to that in a bit.

In the 13th:

Donaldson was hit leading off, but a fielder’s choice by Travis brought up Saunders. He was called out on a fastball on the inside corner that he thought was inside, and just barely avoided drawing a line in the dirt which would have surely provoked an ejection. Russell Martin was behind him, and was called for a swing on 1-2 curve on which he he didn’t come close to going around. After an afternoon of having calls go against him, he had a few words for Carapazza, who tossed him, at which point Martin went absolutely ballistic and was barely restrained by DeMarlo Hale and Luis Rivera.

Goins went on the DL the next day with forearm tightness. He hit 90 MPH on his fastball in his inning. Ryan would be out until early August and then was sent to Buffalo until late August. That’s likely why he didn’t come out for a second inning of work. He was surprisingly impressive on the mound.

Schultz would also be sent down to the minors after the game.

From the recap:

Super Jays of the Day: Schultz (+0.595), Chavez (+0.410)

Jays of the Day: Basically all the pitchers, even a fake one. Stroman (+0.156 WPA), Cecil (+0.121 WPA for 3 pitches), Grilli (+0.106), Osuna (+0.137), Biagini (+0.137), RYAN FREAKING GOINS (+0.137). Tulowitzki was the lone hitter (+0.159, 3/6, 2 BB).

Super Suckage: Barney (-0.573, -0.272 as a hitter and -0.301 as a pitcher). I feel bad doing that, since it’s not really his fault he had to pitch. Also, Vic Carapazza. Let’s turn him away at the border next time.

Suckage: Basically, all the hitters. Carrera (-0.395), Saunders (-0.369), Travis (-0.342), Martin (-0.181), Smoak(-0.185), Donaldson (-0.162), Thole (-0.099).

If you want to check out the boxscore, it is here.

Posted on

Braves top prospect Cam Caminiti selected to NL roster for 2026 All-Star Futures Game

July 12, 2025; North Augusta, South Carolina, USA; GreenJacket pitcher Cam Caminiti (59) pitches during the 19th annual Military Appreciation game at SRP Park. The Augusta GreenJackets faced off against the Salem Red Sox. Salem won 9-2. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale - Augusta Chronicle/USA TODAY NETWORK | Katie Goodale / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

With the calendar flipping from June to July, that means that the MLB All-Star Game is now on the immediate horizon along with the MLB Draft as well. The intersection of all of that is the All-Star Futures Game, where some of the most promising prospects in all of baseball get to showcase their skills on the big stage during the All-Star festivities.

The Atlanta Braves will be sending one representative to the Futures Game this season as Cam Caminiti has gotten the nod and will be participating in the big event at Citizens Bank Park. Here’s more on the National League squad as a whole from MLB’s press release:

he National League Futures squad is led by MLB Pipeline’s number one overall prospect Jesús Made of the Milwaukee Brewers and Washington Nationals shortstop Eli Willits, who was the number one overall selection in the 2025 Draft and currently ranks as the third-best prospect in all of Baseball according to MLB Pipeline rankings. The NL roster also features Josue De Paula of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who is ranked fourth by MLB Pipeline and returns for a second consecutive year after claiming the Larry Doby MVP Award last year in Atlanta, along with Pittsburgh’s Seth Hernandez, who was the number five overall pick in last June’s Draft and is currently ranked as the sixth-best prospect by MLB Pipeline. Willits and Hernandez are joined by seven other fellow first round Draft picks on the NL roster, including Colorado’s Charlie Condon (3rdoverall, 2024); Liam Doyle (5th overall, 2025) of the St. Louis Cardinals; San Francisco’s Gavin Kilen (13th overall, 2025); Arizona’s Kayson Cunningham (18th overall, 2025); Atlanta’s Cam Caminiti (24th overall, 2024); San Diego’s Kash Mayfield (25th overall, 2024); and Philadelphia’s Gage Wood (26th overall, 2025).

As evidenced by his selection to this squad, Cam Caminiti has been pretty solid at the High-A level so far this season. He’s produced a 4.48 ERA (ERA- of 97) and a FIP of 4.05 (FIP- of 87) over 14 appearances (13 starts) and 62.1 innings pitched. Caminiti came into this season as a consensus Top 100 prospect and he’s maintained that status with his performances so far this season. He’s also sitting atop Atlanta’s prospect rankings as the consensus No. 1 prospect for the Braves, so it makes all the sense in the world that Caminiti would be flying the flag for Atlanta’s farm system during the Futures Game.

If you’re planning on watching this year’s Futures Game, things are going to be a little different now. The game will take place on Sunday, July 12 at noon ET with NBC televising the game and streaming it on Peacock as well. It’ll be part of All-Star Sunday, which includes the MLBx: All-Star 3-on-3 (whatever that is) and the second day of the MLB Draft. Circle your date and block out your schedule now if you’re interested in watching Cam Caminiti represent the Braves at this year’s Futures Game.